First time quail owner: what should I know?

[Oldegarlicshnapp]

I got coturnix quail eggs to hatch from what looks to be a friendly bunch. I’ve only ever owned chickens up until now.

I’ve seen cages online that are very short without room to fly. There’s also a built in area for them to hide. Is this correct?
Cause just now I found a source saying they need room to fly. I didn’t think they flew or roosted.

What should I know about quail? I want to raise a happy flock.

 

[Nabiki]

They fly, but don't roost. The cage height should either be very low or very high. They startle easily, and if they flush you either want it low enough that they can't get enough speed to break their necks or enough height that they lose momentum and don't have enough speed to break their necks.

If you go for height, you want about six feet.

I do suggest that you read the quail articles in the learning center here.

 

[Oldegarlicshnapp]

Can I ask what flush means?

 

[CliftonQuail]

"Flush" means they pop pretty much straight up, flapping their wings. They can get to a respectable height when they do, unless the cage has a short roof. When I move my birds to the land I'm developing, I might think about having some in an aviary, but for now, they're all in the short cages.

 

[Oldegarlicshnapp]

they're all in the short cages.

Thank you. How short are you thinking? In inches or feet, whichever

 

[Nabiki]

Thank you. How short are you thinking? In inches or feet, whichever

Short is the 12 inch or so height. Yes, flushing is when the pop straight up into flight.

 

[CliftonQuail]

Thank you. How short are you thinking? In inches or feet, whichever

I got the cages from Wynola Ranch. I think they're about 8-9 inches tall. This is the cage that I'm using currently. It works nicely, but I'll probably be building my next set of cages myself.

 

[tjd85]

Hi,

Quails are fantastic live stock. Easy to look after and very rewarding. Keep them fed, watered and give them access to a dust bath, they'll be happy. Space size, 1sq'ft min, the more the better. Fed them a chicken layers pellet or some similar. Add a corn mix too. Plus any treats you have to hand eg. Cucumber. Other than that, sit back and wait for eggs.

Tim